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📷 Gilbert Cayamo · Pexels

Pinassen

3.7 — based on 14 community signals
4.2 12 species 23 contributors

Pinassen offers year-round diving near Île des Vielles within the Pelagos marine sanctuary, a protected site with recorded marine biodiversity.

⭐ Best for intermediate divers chasing chasing pelagics.

🐢 MPA · Sanctuaire Pelagos updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Intermediate
MPAPelagic hotspotPhotoFriendly

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
intermediate
Best months
Year-round

Top operators here

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Map

This spot Operators Airport Nearby spots
Pinassen location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
10.8 kn
Wave
0.38 m
Water
25.9°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: ENE (27%)
Now: ENE (67°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 0.26m

Today: High 14:00 (-0.44m), Low 06:00 (-0.5m)

+-0.4 m-0.7 m
▼ 06:00 · -0.5m ▼ 09:00 · -0.52m ▲ 14:00 · -0.44m ▼ 23:00 · -0.54m Now -0.4m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV5.55 · mod Air PM2.55 · good 07:16 19:35
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 15.7 0.42 6 0mm
09-20 9.6 0.22 5 0mm
09-21 7.1 0.2 5 0mm
09-22 5.2 0.26 5 0mm
09-23 9.4 0.72 5 0mm
09-24 7.9 0.5 4 0mm
09-25 10.8 0.52 5 0mm

About this spot

Pinassen is a dive site located near Île des Vielles in France, operating within the Sanctuaire Pelagos, one of Europe's largest marine protected areas. The site benefits from strict conservation measures that support marine life across multiple species. Divers visiting this location can expect to encounter a documented range of marine organisms, with 12 species observations recorded at the site. The protected status of Pinassen makes it an ecologically significant location. The Sanctuaire Pelagos designation means the area is managed for conservation, limiting fishing and other extractive activities that could degrade the marine environment. This protection supports healthy fish populations and stable reef conditions. Year-round access means you can plan trips throughout the seasons. Community divers have documented their experiences with one video record available, offering insights into conditions and marine encounters. Before visiting, check current regulations with local authorities, as marine protected areas often have specific rules about dive operator licensing, group sizes, and restricted zones. The proximity to Île des Vielles adds geographical interest, combining coastal diving with island landscapes.

📖 Guide: Diving in France: 220 Sites From Alpine Lakes to Tropical Reefs

Best months

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Dive types

Reef

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
  • 📔 Dive logbook
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type C/E/F · 230V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 48%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 1051km · ~242kg · €4

FAQ

When is the best time to dive Pinassen?

Pinassen is accessible year-round, so diving conditions depend on your preference for water temperature and seasonal weather. Check local dive operator forecasts for current conditions before booking.

What depth and difficulty level is Pinassen?

Specific depth and difficulty data are not documented in available records. Contact local dive operators or authorities for detailed site profiles and recommended experience levels.

What marine life will I see at Pinassen?

Twelve species observations have been recorded at Pinassen. The Sanctuaire Pelagos protection supports diverse marine biodiversity. Ask local operators for current species reports and seasonal wildlife sightings.

Do I need permits to dive Pinassen?

Pinassen sits within the Sanctuaire Pelagos marine protected area. Verify current access rules, operator licensing requirements, and any restrictions with French maritime authorities or local dive services before planning your trip.

Operators near this spot

Dive centres, kite & surf schools within 10 km, sourced from OpenStreetMap.

Club de plongée d'Agay

4.3 km
Dive centre

Centre de Plongée du Dramont

4.7 km
Dive centre

Europlongée

7.9 km
Dive centre

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

Verified marine species observations

8 records · 7 species · sources: OBIS, GBIF

Helicodonta obvoluta

Gastropoda · Helicodontidae
GBIF
Last seen:
25 Jan 2026
×1records

Argna biplicata

Gastropoda · Argnidae
GBIF
Last seen:
25 Jan 2026
×1records

Paracentrotus lividus

Echinoidea · Parechinidae
GBIF
Last seen:
24 Jan 2026
×2records

Sphaerechinus granularis

Echinoidea · Toxopneustidae
GBIF
Last seen:
24 Jan 2026
×1records

Solatopupa similis

Gastropoda · Chondrinidae
GBIF
Last seen:
14 Jan 2026
×1records

Clavelina lepadiformis

Ascidiacea · Clavelinidae
GBIF
Last seen:
6 Jan 2026
×1records

Papillifera papillaris

Gastropoda · Clausiliidae
GBIF
Last seen:
3 Jan 2026
×1records

Data: 187,991 observations from OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System) and GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility). CC-BY 4.0.

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Pinasses & chalands depuis la plage de la chapelle de l'Herbe...

La Pointe du Cap Ferret

Local knowledge

OpenStreetMap Notes
  • "Vérifier si c'est une piste comme son nom l'indique, ou un sentier comme dans OSM actuellement."

    jcr83 · 2022-08-24
  • "Vérifier si ce sentier est bien explicitement interdit aux vélos et chevaux"

    jcr83 · 2022-08-24
  • "Forwarding anonymous report from #Mapy.cz user, please verify: There's a cave."

    Pan Perníček · 2022-07-20
Visibility (month-by-month)
Best: Sep (100/100) Worst: Jan (0/100) Now: Sep (100/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

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